Money Management Advice

The Local Welfare Assistance Fund has now closed but you can get help and advice from other organisations

If you are in financial difficulty

You need to find a way of covering as many of your essential needs as possible. This might include asking for help from friends and family or contacting other services that might be able to offer you support.

The first, and most important step, is to take control as quickly as possible. Look for help even if you think you are going to be in a crisis situation.

Food

Foodbanks

You can get help with Foodbank voucher if you have a referral from a professional such a doctor, health visitor, social worker or police officer. Once you have a voucher, you can redeem a food parcel for three days' emergency food at a Foodbank.

Children's Centres

Healthy Start Vouchers

Use the 'do I qualify' checker to see if you qualify for Healthy Start Vouchers. These will help you buy basic food if you are pregnant or have a child under four years old.

Utilities (gas, electric and water)

Gas and electric

If you struggle to pay your bill, contact your supplier and explain. Ask if they have any services, such as an energy trust, that could help. If your supplier does not offer any help, you can contact the British Gas Energy Trust, even if you don't use British Gas.

Baby items

Rent & Council Tax

If you are struggling to pay your rent or Council Tax because you are on a low income, complete the online benefit application form to see if you qualify for some help.

If you already receive Housing Benefit, or Housing Costs through Universal Credit, and you can’t afford the top up because you aren’t receiving your full rent you can apply for a discretionary hardship payment.

If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax please contact the Council Tax department as soon as possible to avoid having additional costs applied to your account.

If possible, explain your situation to your landlord to try to avoid a confrontation if you do miss a payment.

If you've applied for Universal Credit and are still waiting for payment, you might be able to receive a Short Term Advance. This is a loan that you repay from your Universal Credit payment. Ask for an Advanced Payment at your Universal Credit interview or call helpline if you've already had your interview. Universal Credit Helpline: 0345 600 0723. Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.